Not On Our Watch! Hoyte Desperate To Delay Macc Party

The Spitfires will be hoping to play the role of party pooper in BT Sport’s lunchtime live game with leaders Macclesfield on the verge of the National League title.

A win at the Silverlake Stadium would seal the deal. But it would be a cruel reminder to Eastleigh of what they have aimed for - and fallen short of - over the past few years.

“They’re coming here to win the League but we can’t let them do that on our pitch - I definitely don’t want to see them do it!” Hoyte, who played against Messi’s Argentina for Trinidad & Tobago, told us.

“We don’t want to see another team celebrating promotion in front of us. That was what we were aiming for ourselves so none of us want to see that.

“There is no real pressure on us and we can play with freedom. Everybody likes being on TV - all of your friends and family can watch back at home.

“The season has been up and down. We haven’t done as well as we thought we would have but we’ve got to pick ourselves up. This club is going places and if we get things right next season, we could be the team to beat.”

Hoyte will only be 28 when next season rolls around and with his Eastleigh contract up in the summer, he is unsure where he will be playing.

The full-back would like to remain on the south coast and says he has plenty left in the tank with his “peak years” ahead of him.

“I’m playing for a contract next season,” Hoyte said. “And if it’s that not here, another team, so my performances are still important.

“I’d love to stay at Eastleigh because this club can go far. We’ve got a great stadium, good fans and very good staff. We can definitely go higher.

“When I signed here, I came here to win promotion and unfortunately I haven’t achieved that. I still have a job to do here.

“I’ve never won a League, that’s my biggest aim and that’s what I’m playing for. I’ve never been promoted before so that’s my big target.”

Hoyte dropped into the National League for the first time when he joined Eastleigh from Barnet in December 2016.

A former Gillingham, Dagenham, AFC Wimbledon, Lincoln City and Watford man, Hoyte received his football education at Arsenal.

Whilst continuity has been an issue at Eastleigh over the past couple of years the same can’t be said for the Gunners!

Arsene Wenger is leaving in the summer after almost 22 years in charge and he is the man who gave Hoyte his first-team debut against Manchester City back in November 2008.

“I was 18, played for 60 minutes and we lost 3-0 but what a day that was even though the scoreline was unfortunate!” Hoyte smiled.

“I was up against Robinho so it was a nice introduction to the first team! I made a few appearances in the Cups but that was it really.

“Kieran Gibbs, Henri Lansbury and Jay Simpson were in my age group and I still keep in touch with them.

“I played against Argentina as well and was on the same pitch as Messi, Marcos Rojo and Maxi Rodriguez. That was a dream for me.

“I’m 28 in June and I feel I’m in my prime now. I feel strong and fit and all my focus will be on getting a promotion.”

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